Child support is more than just about money

It is the responsibility of each parent - both mother and father - to make sure their child has enough food to eat, has their health care needs met, clothes to wear, and a safe place to live. Still, some children do not get the support they need. Regardless of their living situation or relationship, both parents should provide the financial and emotional support a child needs to grow into a responsible adult. Rhode Island's child support program can help.

To encourage parental responsibility, the Office of Child Support Services establishes paternity of children, establishes court orders for financial and medical support, modifies or changes the order when appropriate, and vigorously enforces support orders. The Office of Child Support Services promotes the emotional involvement of both parents in the life of the child by working with other state agencies, community groups, schools and hospitals.

There are two parents in every child support case. One is the custodial parent, the one who lives with the child and has the primary day-to-day responsibility and who is entitled to receivechild support for the care of the child. And the other is the non-custodial parent who may have visitation, or joint custody of the child and who is obligated to pay child support. In more than 90 percent of the cases, the father is the non-custodial parent.

Remember: your child has the right to support and you have the right to the services this office provides. All the services described on this site are available to you.

We hope the information here will help you find your way along the child support road. Keep in mind: Child support is more than just money. If you would like more information, please contact the support office at 401-458-4400 and have available your Case ID and PIN number. That is all you need to gather important information about your case.